Matt & Linda Markham-Lee

Matt & Linda established Markham-Lee Architecture (MLA) in 2009, after a decade of studying and working alongside some of Australia’s’ most highly respected architects.

They both graduated university with multiple awards as Australia’s top graduating students, and subsequently worked many years with internationally recognised Architects Peter Stutchbury, Fergus Scott & Sam Marshall. Forever grateful for the mentoring, and experience in producing award winning buildings of the highest calibre, the lineage and evolution of thinking is engrained in MLAs work.

Matt & Linda have since evolved their combined skill set & creative energy to practice together, simply with the ambition to create beautifully crafted, meaningful architecture for clients & community to enjoy. Their architecture seeks the sublime moments of our natural environments, instilled within calm spaces.

With a deep passion for meaningful design, and connection to landscape, MLA have a meticulous eye for rigour & detail. Clarity, creativity & structure are fundamental to every project, whether it be large or small. They’ve a broad & remarkable experience spanning bespoke residential homes, both new and renewed, to unique projects ie. breweries, aircraft hangers, galleries, high-end mixed use urban developments and more.

Versatile lateral thinkers with incredible ‘opportunity’-solving skills, they combine specific design response with extraordinary experience, allowing them to navigate the nuances of each project eloquently. Both highly skilled, & extremely well rounded in all aspects of architecture, they cleverly transform beautiful ideas and concepts into reality, ensuring all aspects of the project are organised meticulously along the way.

Quite uniquely, Matt & Linda work together on every project, including & collaborating with their clients. They invest the time to discover ideas for the best design solutions, client satisfaction and ultimately an exceptional building. They are approachable, sociable & great communicators, typically focusing on a few projects at a time, and when required the MLA project team expands to suit.

Matt & Linda have an extraordinary reputation for exceptional design. They’ve collected prestigious awards & have had the most fortunate journey in architecture to date…

Registered Architect NSW no. 8304

Bachelor of Architecture University of Newcastle, 1st class Honours

Awards & Accolades:

  • Associate with iconic architect Peter Stutchbury 2003 – 2011, becoming Associate, with PSA receiving awards on projects undertaken with Matt:
    • Hangar (aircraft, gallery & museum) Cessnock NSW, awarded: AIA National Steel Award 1st, Colorbond Award AIA NSW and Colorbond Award AIA National 2011
    • International Living Steel Competition Cherepovets 1st, Torovo House, Russia.
    • Charles Stuart University National Competition 1st, Learning Commons.
    • Cardboard House, Future Exhibition at Opera House Forecourt, 2004.
    • Other projects inc Pirramimma House Blue Mountains, Coogee House & more
    • AIA Sulman Award, for the Life Sciences Building at the University of Newcastle, w Brian Suters.
  • Glenn Murcutt International Master Class, w Rick Le Plastrier, Peter Stutchbury, Lindsay Johnston 2003
  • Tutoring Design at the University of Sydney & University of NSW, and critique of final year students.
  • Board of Architects Medallion, 1st place – National / Australia 2004
  • RAIA Design Medal 1st place NSW, Royal Australian Institute of Architects 2004
  • RAIA selected to enter the International Category, in Canada.
  • L.A.S.E Graduate award 1st place – National / Australia 2004
  • NSW Architect’s Registration Board – Bachelor of Architecture Prize 2003
  • University Medal, Newcastle University Architecture 2003
  • Dean’s Medal, Newcastle University Architecture 2003
  • Dean’s Merit List, Newcastle University Architecture 2003
  • Included in the SuperModel exhibition St Margarets Gallery, Surry Hills 2002
  • Included in drawing exhibition, Tracings Fictional @ Lovett Gallery Newcastle 2002
  • First student at Newcastle University to have undertaken 2 university degrees concurrently (Architecture & Arts).
  • Macquarie Manufacturing Sculpture Award (bronze casting), Art, Newcastle University 2001. Entrant to the Helen Lempriere National Sculpture Awards 2002.
  • Tripple J Unearthed Newcastle 2003. Indi-rock band Malvern Star, performing with many legendary Australian bands (ie. Eskimo Jo, Killing Heidi & more).
  • National 1st prize for HSC Intech Awards for design & construction of Hollow Wooden Malibu surfboard. Grateful to Bob McTavish for shaping tips in his Byron Bay workshop.
Registered Architect NSW no. 7761 Bachelor of Architecture University of Newcastle, 1st class Honours

Awards & Accolades:

    • Contract Architect for Fergus Scott Architects 2002-2006, with FSA receiving awards on projects undertaken with Linda:
    • Southern House, awarded the Houses High Commendation Award.
    • Cliff Face House w Peter Stutchbury, awarded: 2012 NSW AIA Wilkinson Award, AIA National Residential Award, Houses High Commendation Award, Australian Timber Design Awards Winner Residential Class 1, Australian Timber Design Awards Best Central Region, MBA Excellence in Housing award, HIA Award winner.
    • Other projects inc. Jilliby House, North Harbour House, & more.
  • Extraordinary experience working with architect Sam Marshall, on the extension & renovation of the MCA Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney 2002, and various residential projects.
  • Worked with Newcastle architects Rod Seymour & Mark Lawler as an undergraduate, allowing Linda to gain valuable construction experience, and qualifying as a registered architect at a very early age.
  • Tutoring Design & Drawing, the University of Newcastle & University of NSW, and critique of final year students.
  • RAIA Design Medal Commendation NSW.
  • Sydney C Morton Prize 2001 (highest construction mark spanning the 2 architecture degrees).
  • Inaugural KG Hoffman Prize 2001 (best final year performance incorporating Urban Design) ie. design of the Goods Line Sydney which was later developed in 2015.
  • Dean’s Medal, Newcastle University Architecture 2001.
  • Dean’s Merit List, Newcastle University Architecture 2001.
  • Included in the SuperModel exhibition St Margarets Gallery, Surry Hills 2002.
  • Selected to exhibit in Limelight exhibition, Watt Space Gallery Newcastle & Nesca House Sydney, 1998.
  • Design & technology HSC Intech Awards for design 1994.

Our clients appreciate excellent design, quality service, and enjoy the process.

We are renown for repeat clients, who return to engage us again, and for homes that capitalise on the market at record sales.

Many builders have asked us to design their own home, as they understand the value that we bring to a project.

…we are honoured & grateful…